MARRAKECH ART GUIDE BY DAR DARMA RIAD
While Marrakech is best known for its bustling souks, the city also boasts several fascinating museums. Dar Darma, a hidden riad in the heart of the Medina, makes an ideal starting point for a day of cultural exploration.
Dar Darma Riad
Dar Darma Riad
Wandering from one attraction to the next could easily fill your day, but getting lost in the charming alleys is part of the magic. Here’s a suggested itinerary. Start your day with a rich Moroccan breakfast at the riad, put on your favorite straw hat, open Google Maps, and set off.
First stop: Maison de la Photographie, located just 200 meters from Dar Darma. This museum features an extraordinary collection of black-and-white photographs from the 1870s to the 1960s, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s past landscapes and daily life. The museum also showcases works by emerging local artists. Take your time exploring the three floors of galleries, relax in the peaceful courtyard, and don’t miss the rooftop for a 360° view of the Medina while sipping mint tea.
Address: Rue Ahl Fes, 46 Rue Bin Lafnadek, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:30 to 19:00.
Just a few steps from Dar Darma is the Ben Youssef Medersa, once the largest Koranic school in North Africa and a masterpiece of Hispano-Moresque architecture. Visitors are captivated by its vibrant zellij tiles, intricate stucco arches, wooden carvings, cedar windows, and the Italian Carrara marble mihrab. Standing by the courtyard’s central pool, gazing at the blue sky reflected in the water, you’ll feel the serene, spiritual atmosphere that defines this historical site.
Address: Rue Assouel, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:00 to 20:00.
Next, head to LE 18, a cultural space and art residency that has become a hub for collective learning and creativity since its opening in 2013. Through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects, LE 18 fosters dialogue and critical exploration of the cultural, political, and economic dynamics shaping the local and global ecosystem. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary culture in Marrakech.
Address: 18 Derb El Ferrane, Marrakech. Open Tue-Sat from 10:00 to 19:00.
For a relaxing break, visit the Musée de l’Art de Vivre, a museum dedicated to the art and history of perfume in Morocco. Here, you’ll discover the processes behind the creation of traditional Moroccan scents, from the distillation of floral waters to the extraction of essential oils.
Address: 2, Derb Chérif, Diour Saboun, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
The Musée de la Femme is an extraordinary institution that celebrates the strength, creativity, and contributions of Moroccan women. Through carefully curated exhibitions, the museum explores women’s roles in art, literature, education, politics, and activism, inspiring visitors with stories of courage and determination.
Address: 19 Route Sidi Abdelaziz, Souk Jeld, Marrakech. Open daily from 9:30 to 18:30.
End your museum walk with a visit to the Boucharouite Museum, a former riad transformed into a vibrant space showcasing handmade carpets created by Berber women. Each rug tells a unique story, with intricate details that reflect the craftsmanship behind these traditional works of art. A highlight is the innovative Zindekh carpets, made by embroidering plastic bags. This museum is a fascinating journey through Berber textile traditions and innovations.
Address: 107 Derb el Cadi, Marrakech. Open Mon-Sat from 9:30 to 18:00.
DADA Marrakech
One of the city’s most intriguing new venues, DADA Marrakech defines itself as a hub for art, food, and music. Situated in the heart of Marrakech, this dynamic space frequently hosts events featuring local DJs, musicians, artists, and chefs, offering visitors an immersive experience in a vibrant, contemporary setting.
Address: 2 Place Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech. Open Mon-Fri from 09:00 to 18:00, Sat-Sun from 10:00 to 18:00.
In the lively Kasbah quarter, you’ll find the Le Monde des Arts de la Parure Museum, an extraordinary space that celebrates beauty and cultural diversity. The museum’s collection includes nearly 3,000 pieces of jewelry, ornaments, clothing, and textiles from over 50 countries, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship and heritage. After exploring this treasure trove, visitors can relax at SHAMS Restaurant, located on the museum’s garden terrace, where you can enjoy Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine alongside stunning views that enhance the experience.
Address: 39, 40 Ksibat Nhass, Marrakech. Open Tue-Sat from 10:00 to 17:30, Sun from 09:00 to 17:30.
While the Medina is packed with cultural gems, the newer parts of the city have their own must-see spots. To the north, aside from the world-renowned Jardin Majorelle, which celebrates its centenary this year, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, you’ll discover some of the city’s most avant-garde spaces. In the vibrant Guéliz district, L’Blassa Art Spacestands out as an innovative co-working space and pop-up art gallery, with a strong focus on pan-African narratives.
Address: 38 Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad, Marrakech. Open Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 18:00.
Loft Art Gallery
Founded in 2009 by Myriem and Yasmine Berrada Sounni, Loft Art Gallery has become a key player in promoting modern and contemporary African art. Although based in Casablanca’s trendy Golden Triangle, the gallery now has a presence in Marrakech as well. While its roots are in Moroccan art, it maintains a global perspective, making it a premier destination for art lovers.
Address: 60 Bd El Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech. Open Mon from 15:00 to 19:00, Tue-Sat from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00.
Galerie Siniya 28
Established in 2016, Galerie Siniya 28 focuses on supporting young, emerging Moroccan and international artists. The gallery aims to democratize art, making it accessible to young collectors and enthusiasts. It showcases works across various mediums, including ceramics, textiles, design, photography, painting, and mixed media, making it a vibrant space for contemporary expression.
Address: Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad, Marrakech. Open Mon-Sat from 09:30 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 19:00.
Comptoir des Mines Galerie
Founded in 2016 by Hicham Daoudi, Comptoir des Mines Galerie stands out as a remarkable art space in Marrakech. Renowned for its stunning art-deco architecture and daring art programming, it draws in art lovers and architects from around the globe. The gallery spans 1,500 m² and hosts a range of significant events, including exhibitions, vernissages, and private tours. Originally built in 1932 as the headquarters of a mining company, the building has been carefully restored to preserve its historical charm, featuring details like its terrace floors and gilded mosaics. This venue is more than just an art gallery—it’s a dynamic cultural hub that celebrates creativity and artistic expression in the heart of Marrakech.
Address: 62 Rue Yougoslavie, Marrakech. Open by appointment.
The Farid Belkahia Foundation
Located in the artist’s historic atelier in Marrakech, the Farid Belkahia Foundation museum is dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary career of Moroccan artist Farid Belkahia. Inaugurated in 2015, the foundation showcases Belkahia’s cultural legacy through a collection of works that span the various stages of his artistic journey. Visitors can explore his evolution, from early experimental pieces to his more mature and innovative creations. The museum also highlights the unique materials and techniques Belkahia used, including worked copper and leather. In addition to preserving his art, the foundation fosters research and art education through scholarships and awards, ensuring that Belkahia’s influence endures for future generations.
Address: Dar Tounsi, Palmeraie Nord, Marrakech. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.
About Dar Darma Riad
Just a few steps from the Marrakech Museum and the Medersa Ben Youssef Koranic School, Dar Darma offers its guests wide suites, dining rooms, lounge areas for reading, sipping a cocktail or listening to music, a cozy hammam.
The rooftop boasts a view over the Medina and the Atlas Mountains and features the swimming pool, a shaded area and the solarium. Dar Darma riad is a perfect place for relaxing, sunbathing, having breakfast or enjoying a dinner under the stars.
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